Rock superstars KISS release their new album Sonic Boom on October 6, 2009. Featuring 11 brand new KISS anthems, Sonic Boom is an emphatic statement from one of rock’s most iconic bands. Says guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley: “The purpose of this album isn’t to let people know that we’re still around – it’s to let people know we can still knock out anybody who’s out there!”
Since Paul Stanley and bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons founded KISS in New York City in 1972, the band has sold over 80 million albums worldwide. Sonic Boom, the 19th original studio album of their 35-year recording career, marks a new chapter for the band: it is the first KISS studio album to feature guitarist Tommy Thayer alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer. But as Paul states: “This isn’t ‘new KISS’ – this is classic KISS!”
“I had a very clear vision of what this album should be,” says Paul, who produced Sonic Boom himself. “I didn’t want to compromise or deviate from that vision, not just as a member of KISS but as a fan of KISS. I thought the band had never been better and that we were capable of doing a really career-defining album, and the only way I thought that would happen was if I produced it. I wanted us all to be as focused as possible on creating something that was firmly rooted in our finest moments.”
Gene Simmons agrees. Describing the “classic KISS” sound of the new album, Simmons refers back to the band’s hugely influential ‘70s albums. “Sonic Boom may be the best new record we’ve done since Destroyer!” Simmons says. “It’s Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun.”
To recapture the vibe of those landmark records on Sonic Boom, Paul Stanley selected Conway Studios in Los Angeles, where KISS could record the new songs on rare, vintage two-inch analogue tape. “I wanted to do it the old-fashioned way,” he explains. “We all agreed that the albums we loved most, the ones we grew up listening to – Zeppelin, The Beatles, the Stones, The Who – were not perfect and were not made under a microscope. They were about capturing a feel. Great music is made by listening with your ears, not looking at a computer screen with your eyes.”
“This was probably the most enjoyable time we’ve ever had making an album,” Paul says. “Not that it wasn’t challenging – but it was effortless. Gene was selfless on this album: everybody worked as a team. Tommy sings the lead vocal on When Lightning Strikes and Eric sings lead on All For The Glory, and they’re both terrific singers. KISS has always been about four characters, four personalities. And the stronger each member is, the stronger the band is. Most importantly, there were no outside co-writers, which reinforced in all of us the idea that we were making something very, very special, something defining in terms of the KISS legacy.”
Paul proudly states: “There isn’t a filler track on this entire album. From track 1 to track 11, they’re all great tunes.” Opening song Modern Day Delilah sets the tone for the album. “It’s relentless and has an unmistakable KISS stamp on it,” Paul says. “It’s very much a declaration of not only being alive and well but being lethal.” And this celebratory spirit is embodied in the album’s title. As Paul recalls, “We were on this massive stadium tour of South America and were getting ready to do one of the shows, and Sonic Boom just popped into my head. That’s what we’re creating – a sonic boom. It’s earth-shaking and deafening!”
35 years after KISS released their classic debut album, Sonic Boom proves that this legendary band is still a genuine creative force. “It’s astonishing that something that was born on the streets of New York is iconic worldwide and as relevant today as ever,” Paul Stanley says. “You only have to look at the audiences that we’re drawing to see that there is a legend of KISS that brings in new fans. KISS is something unique and timeless. There isn’t anything like KISS – there is only KISS.”
Sonic Boom is released through Roadrunner Records imprint Loud & Proud, whose President Tom Lipsky comments: “Great artists make great music and KISS has certainly accomplished that with Sonic Boom.” Adds Wally van Middendorp, Sr VP International of Roadrunner Records: “We are excited to have the world’s premier rock band join forces with the world’s premier rock label. Sonic Boom is a brilliant album that will surely be recognized as one of best musical works in the history of KISS.” As Paul Stanley concludes: “Success comes from a winning team, and Roadrunner is the perfect partner for KISS in terms of understanding what this album is and also having a great track record of success.”
